Conservation Manager

Conservation Manager Jobs in Kafue National Park

Greater Kafue Landscape Limited is seeking a dedicated Conservation Manager to join the team at Kafue National Park, Mumbwa. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of Africa’s most significant conservation landscapes through leadership in ecological monitoring, research, and habitat management. If you are passionate about conservation and have experience working in protected areas, consider applying for this full-time position focused on advancing sustainable conservation outcomes.

About Greater Kafue Landscape and Kafue National Park

African Parks, a non-profit organisation partnered with Greater Kafue Landscape Limited, manages Kafue National Park (KNP), Zambia’s largest and oldest national park spanning 22,480 km². KNP is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area and plays a vital role in safeguarding the Kafue River system, supporting water supply, hydropower, agriculture, and wetlands of international importance. The park boasts extraordinary biodiversity, including 159 mammal species and over 500 bird species, with a rich variety of habitats such as Ramsar-listed wetlands and miombo woodlands.

Since African Parks began managing KNP in 2022, significant improvements in security, infrastructure, and species recovery have been achieved. Preparations are underway for the reintroduction of black rhinos in 2026. Despite challenges including fire management, human-wildlife conflict, and remote terrain, KNP remains a critical conservation priority with a 24/7 Control Room coordinating park operations and law enforcement.

Role Overview: Conservation Manager Jobs in Kafue National Park

Reporting to the Park Manager and Regional Conservation Manager, the Conservation Manager will lead the biodiversity and conservation department to implement science-based programs that enhance the ecological integrity of Kafue National Park. This senior role involves coordinating ecological monitoring, managing species reintroductions, strengthening research partnerships, and ensuring data-driven decision making to support long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement conservation strategies aligned with the park’s Business Plan and Long-Term Sustainability Strategy (LTSS).
• Lead ecological monitoring programs including aerial surveys, camera traps, botanical and ornithological studies, and species tracking.
• Manage and enhance the ecological database and spatial data systems for conservation planning.
• Plan and oversee species reintroduction and habitat restoration initiatives.
• Update and implement fire, carnivore, and other habitat management plans to maintain ecosystem resilience.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the Park Management Unit, fostering a values-based culture and effective teamwork.
• Build and maintain national and international research collaborations, ensuring scientific rigor and alignment with conservation priorities.
• Produce scientifically sound reports and contribute to peer-reviewed publications on park conservation efforts.
• Ensure compliance with financial management procedures and African Parks Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Deliver timely and accurate departmental reports to park management and donors.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in ecology, wildlife management, conservation biology, or related field.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in protected-area conservation or ecological research, preferably within African savanna ecosystems.
• Proficiency in English and ability to work independently in remote field conditions.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office, GIS, and statistical software such as R or Python.
• Experience with telemetry, camera traps, GPS technology, and other conservation tools.
• Demonstrated budget management and leadership capabilities.
• Physically fit for extended fieldwork and holding a valid driver’s license with 4×4/off-road experience.
• Clean record of conduct and excellent communication skills.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV, cover letter, and supporting documents via the African Parks hiring platform at
https://africanparks.simplify.hr/vacancy/xx58mk. Please ensure applications are complete and submitted before the closing date of 15 April 2026. Incomplete or incorrectly uploaded applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. African Parks is an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by Zambian law.